Author: Cindy Hval

Cindy Hval is the author of "War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation." and a columnist and correspondent for the Spokesman Review newspaper in Spokane, Washington. Her "Front Porch" column offers humorous, often poignant commentary about life, love and raising sons-- not necessarily in that order. Contact Cindy at CindyHval@gmail.com
War Bonds

Happy Bookiversary

Cindy Hval

In the rush of Monday deadlines I didn’t even notice that yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of the release of War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation.

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The Facebook Memories app reminded me and as I pored over pictures of that special day, I was overwhelmed.

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A mixture of joy and sadness flooded my soul. Joy at the fabulous launch at Auntie’s Bookstore. Joy at the fact that the first print run sold out in a month. Joy at the relief of finally seeing my book baby in the hands of readers.

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And sadness that so many of the people featured in War Bonds have passed away in the year since publication.

But mostly what I’m feeling is profound gratitude. Thank you so much to all of you who were part of that amazing book launch on February 22, 2015. Thank you to readers who savor these stories and understand their importance. Thank you to booksellers, civic clubs, retirement communities etc.who’ve invited me to come and do readings. And thank you to those of you who’ve written reviews on Amazon or Goodreads.

The love stories of the Greatest Generation will live on because of you.

War Bonds

War Bonds and Saying Goodbye

Cindy Hval

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Have to admit this photo brought tears. This is Nathalie Mitchell’s  son, Ed reading from his parents’ story (Chapter 21) at Nathalie’s burial service yesterday.

The picture taken by her daughter-in-law Cindy Mitchell, shows the bittersweet reality of what happens when you tell the stories of the Greatest Generation– sooner or later you will have to say goodbye.

How fitting that the Mitchells’ story is titled Happy Trails.

 

 

War Bonds

Nathalie’s final journey

Cindy Hval

They met at a Greyhound bus station and ended up traveling through 70 years of life together, but on February 12, Nathalie took her last journey without Fred.

Today she was laid to rest at the Washington Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake. While Sentimental Journey softly played, their son Ed read War Bonds Chapter 21 “Happy Trails,” which offers a brief snapshot of their life together.

The Mitchell’s moved 15 times during Fred’s 21-year military career and Nathalie loved the adventure of it. And post-retirement they still hit the road every summer.

 “No planning, we just go,” said Fred. “We love seeing new places.”

I’m so glad I was able to see Nathalie one last time at a War Bonds event in September. She was a spunky lady who said the secret to their long marriage was, “He gives me what I want and lets me go where I want!”

Fred added, “And of course, I don’t argue!” He grinned and continued, “She’s a good cook and took great care of the kids.”

Nathalie cleared her throat. “And what about you?”

He grinned. “And me, too!”

War Bonds cindy mitchells

War Bonds

And They Said He Wouldn’t Last

Cindy Hval

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Had a wonderful time at yesterday’s War Bonds reading. My special guests were Dean and Betty Ratzman, from Chapter 18.

Here’s an excerpt from their story:

While Dean wasn’t injured during the invasion, his health still took a beating. He contracted dengue fever several times during his stint in the islands. While in Saipan he got a hernia from lifting a large battery. Following surgery, he was sent to a hospital ship, the USS Sanctuary. There he received some startling news. Doctors aboard ship discovered Dean’s heart had been damaged during his bouts with fever.

When the ship docked in Oakland, physicians at the naval hospital diagnosed the 20-year-old sailor with two leaky heart valves. “The doctors said there wasn’t anything they could do,” Dean recalled. “They told me I probably wouldn’t live past middle age.”

…Betty recalled his proposal. “He told me the doctors said he wouldn’t live past 40. Then he asked me to marry him! I told him, ‘You’re not going to get out of it that easily!'”

Almost seven decades later, she smiled at her husband. “When you’re 20, 40 seems like forever. I figured I’d get another one (husband) after that.”

In June they’ll celebrate their 70th anniversary, so it looks like it will be awhile before Betty can replace him, and you know what? She’s just fine with that!

 

War Bonds

Meet a War Bonds couple!

Cindy Hval

If you’ve ever wanted to meet one of the couples you’ve read about in War Bonds, you’ll have the opportunity on Thursday, February 11.

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The Ratzmans’ story is told in chapter 18 “Letters From Home.”

They are a delightful, sharp-witted couple who truly fell in love through the letters they exchanged while Dean was serving in the South Pacific.
Here’s an excerpt from their story:
But it was her letters that kept a young man far from home from feeling too lonely. “Betty is a great letter writer,” he said. “Her letters were a highlight for me– but I didn’t know who else she was writing to.” He shot her a sideways glance. “She was very patriotic.”

This is a great opportunity to purchase a copy of War Bonds and have it signed by one of the couples featured.

PS: Valentine’s Day is SUNDAY 😉

Columns, War Bonds

Celebrate Love & Reading!

Cindy Hval

So excited for this special Valentine’s Day event!
Join me, Asa Maria Bradley, Kris Dinnison, Sharma Shields and many more authors at Barnes & Noble in Spokane Valley on February 14.

Event starts at 11 AM. I have to scoot out by 1 PM, but the author others will be there until 2.
Pick up a personalized copy of a book or TEN and give the gift of reading to someone you love.
Even better if that someone you love is YOU:-)
See you there!

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War Bonds

Of Cats and Chicken Soup

Cindy Hval

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Getting a box of books with your stories in it never gets old.

“Chicken Soup for the Soul My Very Good, Very Bad Cat,”  is the 8th volume in the series to feature my work and the thrill of seeing my words in print in this popular series is still exciting.

This one hits bookstores across the nation on February 9 and includes my stories, “Another Baby Boy” and “Fat Cat.” One story per cat 🙂

When novice writers ask me how to get published I always tell them Chicken Soup is a great place to start honing your nonfiction skills. The principles of writing are the same whether you’re writing your memoir or laboring on the Great American Novel. You need to be able to tell an engaging story.

The submission process is simple and all online.  They are constantly adding titles and sending new story call outs. Authors are paid $200 for each story, retain the rights to their work and receive 10 free books. You can also purchase more books at a discounted rate.

So while you’re slaving away on your manuscript, sending out agent queries or entering writing contests visit Chicken Soup for the Soul and submit a story.

After all, Chicken Soup can cure just about anything– even writer’s block.

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War Bonds

From War Bonds to Cindy’s All Write

Cindy Hval

Turning the page.

I launched this blog last year to coincide with the publication of my first book War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation.

It’s been a whirlwind of a year celebrating and promoting War Bonds, and while I’ll continue to do readings, special events and signings, the time has come to start my next book, tentatively titled, Don’t Make Me Write a Column About This! More about that later.

To celebrate this new chapter, I’m renaming my blog to better reflect all of my writing adventures. From stories printed in new anthologies, to newspaper and magazine stories, to social media missives and points in between. There’s never been more ways for writers to see their words in print and to share the creative process with readers.

Thank you so much for joining me on the journey. I hope you’ll turn the page with me.

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War Bonds

High School Students Connect with the Greatest Generation

Cindy Hval

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I got to witness something very special today. High school students from Barker and Spokane Valley Tech schools interviewed members of the Greatest Generation at Harvard Park Retirement Community.

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The interviews came about as part of a history/language arts unit. The students were taught basic interviewing techniques, chose to read 1 of 3 books about WWll (including Radioman and The Bellygunner by Spokane author Carol Edgemon Hipperson) and then paid a visit to Harvard Park.

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The students were thoughtful, well-prepared and so appreciative. It was really moving to witness the respect these kids gave to their elders and how much they seemed to value spending time with them.
Afterward a student said, “This is so much more valuable than the average history class. You get a sense of what it was like during this time– it paints a picture for you.”
Story coming soon in the Spokesman Review.

War Bonds

War Bonds in Nostalgia Magazine

Cindy Hval

If you haven’t yet read or purchased War Bonds: Love Stories From the Greatest Generation, here’s a chance to read an excerpt in the January/February edition of Nostalgia Magazine.

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Chapter 3; The Luck of the Draw

The Luck of the Draw tells the story of Fenton and Violet Roskelley. The pair met when Fenton’s unit was assigned to Violet’s regiment in Cornwall, England.

Pick up a copy of Nostalgia at news stands and bookstores throughout the Inland Northwest or order online.